- Air Canada plans to take more capacity risk in the fall and spring shoulder seasons compared to the summer peak.
- The Airbus A321XLR will help the carrier leverage shifting demand patterns for transatlantic and premium North American services.
- The company reported record Q2 operating revenues of CA$6.3 billion, up 11pc year over year.
- An investor group acquired a 25pc stake in the Aeroplan program for CA$2.5 billion.
- Michael Rousseau confirmed the board will co-ordinate with the executive group for the next five months.
Air Canada is weighing changes to off-peak capacity planning as shoulder seasons show continued strength. In conjunction with its growing counter-seasonal sixth freedom franchise, the carrier continues to expect the fall and spring shoulders to grow in relative performance. As Air Canada considers 2027 and how to allocate capacity, it will be taking more capacity risk in those seasons than in the actual summer peak, according to Chief Commercial Officer Mark Galardo.
The Airbus A321XLR should help Air Canada leverage these shifting demand patterns, with the carrier having taken delivery of its first two XLRs and expecting to receive an additional seven of the type by year’s end. Initial results from the A321XLR operations have validated the potential of this aircraft type in the fleet, providing flexibility to serve new and existing transatlantic markets while supporting its premium strategy within North America. Air Canada plans to take a total of 30 XLRs, including 15 leased from SMBC Aviation Capital.
For the second quarter, the carrier reported record operating revenues of CA$6.3 billion ($4.5 billion), up 11pc year over year, and a net loss of CA$178 million. Premium and corporate revenues rose 11pc and 19pc year over year, respectively, while cargo revenues jumped 29pc on strong yield growth. An investor group led by Blackstone and La Caisse acquired a 25pc equity interest in the carrier’s loyalty program, Aeroplan, for CA$2.5 billion, with Air Canada retaining a 75pc ownership interest. Outgoing CEO Michael Rousseau confirmed the path is very clear over the next several months and the board will co-ordinate with the executive group.
Michael Rousseau shared: the path is very clear over the next several months as to what the airline has to accomplish, and the board will co-ordinate with the executive group.
